Rebels and Brumbies need things to go their way

One week to go before the Super Rugby finals, and there are three Australian sides in the hunt for a playoff berth. A stark improvement on recent years, as Fairfax reporter Tom Decent told Julian King.

“It shows that Australian rugby’s not in the doldrums that it was last year. At this stage it’s a lot rosier than last year.”

“The shrinkage to four teams has been beneficial. There’s been obvious depth there.”

The Waratahs have sewn up the Aussie Conference, and can secure second spot overall with a win over the Brumbies.

The Melbourne Rebels are also eyeing off a quarter-finals berth, but it won’t be easy travelling to Dunedin to take on a Highlanders outfit.

“Dave Wessels says it’s a very winnable game over there but I have to disagree,“ said Decent.